The Broncos veterans along with Peyton Manning report on Thursday for training camp. The first practice is Friday. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

Football training camp brings more optimism for fans than players. It’s a grueling grind of pain and performance as dozens of hopefuls attempt to grab roughly 10-to-15 open roster spots.

The Broncos’ camp will be better this season, if for no other reason than that whispers won’t be heard. The fans will return after a one-year hiatus because of construction involving the breathtaking fieldhouse. Fans bring energy, help pull players through the practices. It will be great to have them back.

The enthusiasm for the Broncos is real. For good reason. Denver returns most of its top players from a fourth-consecutive AFC West championship team, and features a new coaching staff led by Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. For all the talk about Peyton Manning’s fit in the new offense, the defense represents a fascinating story. If all goes as planned it won’t look anything like last year’s unit. That group stopped the run effectively, setting a franchise record for fewest rushing yards allowed per game, but struggled to create turnovers. Phillips relishes blitzing and pressuring the quarterback, an attack which should work given a secondary which features Pro Bowlers Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward.

The Broncos are a flawed team. Like pretty much everyone, including the Super Bowl champion Patriots, who revamped their secondary and face the possibility of playing the first four games without suspended superstar quarterback Tom Brady.

Questions exist in Denver. They begin along the offensive line. Can the Broncos protect Manning and establish a more powerful running game with at least new three starters?

As of today, rookie Ty Sambrailo opens at left tackle, Ben Garland will be at left guard, where has never started a game, and Gino Gradkowski is at center after playing minimally in Baltimore last season. It leaves holdovers Louis Vasquez at right guard, where he’s among the game’s best, and Chris Clark at right tackle, a position he lost last year to Paul Cornick.

So what about Jake Long? He will visit the Broncos on Thursday. He’s expected to be at Dove Valley in the early afternoon, meaning there could be news when general manager John Elway meets the media at 1 p.m. The questions on Long are twofold: Is his twice-repaired right ACL over the last year healthy? And will he be viewed as a candidate to start at left tackle? Long has started all 96 games of his NFL career since the Dolphins made him the top overall pick in 2008. And all came at left tackle. Again, we should know more later today.

Long has visited the Falcons and Giants this week. He met with the Giants twice this offseason and has said to be patiently considering his options.

There should also be news on the injuries of linebackers Brandon Marshall (foot) and Danny Trevathan. Will Marshall open on the temporary PUP list — not the sidelined for weeks list — if he’s unable to practice? Even so, he expects to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 13. Trevathan is further along in his recovery from surgery to repair his kneecap.

Demaryius Thomas said one of the most difficult parts of the offseason was not being able to work out with his quarterback, Peyton Manning.

Thomas was a notable absence from Manning’s annual Duke workouts, which he attended the last three years. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders wasted little time shaking up the social media world in April when he used Photoshop to add Thomas in a post-workout photo.

Thomas chose to rehab his lingering left ankle injury, but he wavered back and forth with the decision.

“That was real tough, actually. At the time, my ankle was still bothering me. But also I wanted to go down and see what the new routes were and be with Peyton,” Thomas said. “I got so much love for Peyton.

Now he has a two-inch scar running from the base of his thighbone, over his kneecap to the top of his shin, as well as a pair of smaller scars on either side of the knee. All serve as evidence of the injury-marred season that limited him to three games.

The dislocation stretched the primary ligament that holds Trevathan’s kneecap in place. So a surgeon reconstructed it with another ligament and then shaved down the inside of the kneecap to allow for better movement within the groove at the base of the thighbone and for greater stability.

“It felt kind of weird, but it feels good now,” said Trevathan, who volunteered as a coach in the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s Dare to Play football camp with Ed McCaffrey on Saturday at Valor Christian High. “I just have to be consistent with it. It’s not as sore as I expected to be. Just trying to take one day at a time.”

Clady, the longest-tenured Bronco and a four-time Pro Bowler, was injured in a non-contact drill during the team’s first day of organized team activities on Wednesday. He saw a doctor later that afternoon, and MRI results Thursday morning confirmed the tear.

The loss of Clady dealt yet another blow to an offensive line has undergone numerous shifts and now features many young players. Broncos coach Gary Kubiak said rookie Ty Sambrailo, a Colorado State product, will shift to left tackle in the interim, but competition for the starting job will continue throughout training camp.

On Thursday, when word got out of Clady’s injury, his teammates took to social media to wish him well.

Tevrin Brandon #33 works out during rookie minicamp on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre in Englewood. (Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)

Broncos cornerback Tevrin Brandon sustained minor injuries when he was stuck by a car in Belmar, N.J., on Sunday morning, the team confirmed.

Brandon, signed to a futures contract in April, was briefly hospitalized but is expected to practice on Wednesday when the team reconvenes for workouts. According to NJ.com, which first reported the accident, Brandon was crossing the intersection of Highways 71 and 35 when he was struck by what police believe was a black Ford F-150 truck. The truck fled the scene.

Danny Trevathan is helped off the field after re-injuring his knee during a game at San Diego last season. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

The first one came in August of last season. Danny Trevathan, the Broncos’ starting weakside linebacker, fractured a bone below his left knee during practice and was expected to sit out six to eight weeks.

Two months later, in his second game back after the first injury, Trevathan sustained another fracture in his left kneecap area, on only the second defensive play of the game, against Arizona. He didn’t need surgery but was expected to miss the following three to six weeks.

Then came the final blow. Trevathan dislocated his kneecap during the second half of a win at San Diego and was placed on the Broncos’ injured reserve. Trevathan, who had already missed 11 of the Broncos’ first 13 games, was done for the season.

So it can only be expected that the Broncos ease their linebacker back into the fold, monitoring his activity during the voluntary veteran’s mini camp so as not to repeat the past.

“I’m limited,” Trevathan said Tuesday. “I can’t do too much movement, but it’s good for me. I get to work on my mindset. I had a year last year to work on it, but now I’m really strong with my mind. I don’t like making mistakes.”

The NFL combine boasts tremendous ratings. It has become a made-for-TV event, drawing on the unquenchable thirsts of college and NFL fans. The combine helps NFL executives verify what they’ve seen on film.

The combine can crush dreams. Pro days can revive them. Broncos general manager John Elway said he understands when quarterbacks only participate in limited drills at the combine.

“Because you can do the rest at your pro day,” Elway said.

For Colorado State players, it arrives on Wednesday. Rams quarterback Garrett Grayson, arguably the highest-rated prospect, is not expected to participate in Fort Collins. According to Colorado State, Grayson will work out for scouts on March 23, allowing time for his hamstring to heal. Grayson suffered the injury on Feb. 10 running a 40-yard dash, preventing him from throwing in Indianapolis.

Peyton Manning was playing with a strained quad, an injury he sustained Dec. 14 against the Chargers. (Tim Rasmussen, The Denver Post)

Peyton Manning had been on the Broncos’ injury report every week since he injured his thigh in a Dec. 14 game at San Diego. His teammates, and everyone else, were aware that he was banged up. Heck, at that point in the season, many of them were injured, too.

But none of the Broncos players who spoke to reporters Monday, less than a day after their season-ending loss to the Colts, were aware that he was playing with a strained quad.

All were asked. All had no idea. And all refused to speculate on whether the veteran QB would be back in an orange and blue uniform next year:

C.J. Anderson, RB: “Super tough. Torn quad or strain? It’s not normal. You need your legs to throw. That’s just amazing that he went through that. If he wins, he’s a hero. If he loses, everybody bashes him. But there’s no one I’d rather play with than No. 18.

“I respected him as a player and as a person already, but it just gives you more respect when you hear and see things of that nature.”

Orlando Franklin, G: “I just knew that he had a quad injury in that San Diego game. I don’t know the extent of his injury. I’m not a trainer. I know everybody’s a bit banged up towards the end of the season. We’re all in there doing treatment and rehab so you never really know exactly what’s going on with each other.

“I know that we’re football players and at a young age you’re taught to deal with pain and you’re going to do whatever you can to get out there and just put your team in the best situation and position to win.”Read more…

C.J. Anderson rushed for three touchdowns in the Broncos’ Week 17 victory over the Raiders. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

UPDATE: Juwan Thompson will not be available to play Sunday. Jeremy Stewart will be the third running back for the Broncos.

For the first time since C.J. Anderson’s breakout performance in Game 9 at Oakland, the Broncos will have their full complement of running backs for their divisional playoff Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Anderson, Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson will all dress to give the Broncos a one-two-three running punch against the Colts. Expect the No. 1 back, Anderson, to get the bulk of the carries.

Hillman suffered a Lisfranc foot sprain during that Nov. 9 game against Oakland and didn’t return until the season finale against the Raiders, on Dec. 28 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Thompson played every game this season until the final against the Raiders, when he rested his sore hip and knee.

Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall will return from a foot injury to face the Colts on Sunday. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

Brandon Marshall spoke with confidence Friday, unable to hide his smile. He feels ready to play, even if his sprained left foot is not 100 percent. Had Sunday been a regular-season game, Marshall might not be available. But after progressing slowly during the week, Marshall is expected to be active for divisional playoff against the Colts.

The question remains: How effective can he be? Marshall, who missed the final two regular-season games after getting hurt on a tackle against the Chargers, told the Post that he expects to play either base or nickel, but likely not both. The Broncos need to keep him on a play count, and monitor him closely. Marshall sprinted for the first time on Friday. Even he doesn’t know how his foot will respond in coverage, when he must move laterally and make quick, decisive cuts.

Marshall is a tackling machine and excels in coverage. But, again, he must be watched. Linebackers Todd Davis and Steven Johnson figure to see plenty of snaps regardless of Marshall’s health.

The Broncos should be able to beat the Colts with a limited Marshall. It’s hard to see Denver beating the Patriots in New England — if Denver wins Sunday — without Marshall. Getting him back in the lineup is a start. Keeping him healthy in limited duty is equally important.

David Bruton sustained a concussion and neck strain after a hit during Week 17’s win over the Raiders. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

Left guard Orlando Franklin and safety David Bruton cleared the NFL-mandated concussion protocol and returned to practice for the Broncos on Wednesday as they prepare for their AFC divisional playoff game.

Both players were injured in the Week 17 victory over the Raiders. Bruton started in place injured safety T.J. Ward (neck strain), but left with one himself after a blind hit by Oakland’s Denico Autry. Bruton was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and immediately taken to a hospital, as the Broncos feared a diagnosis much more than a neck strain and concussion.

The Broncos practiced in full pads Wednesday — a first in a while for them — and outside in 19-degree whether to prepare for an expected cold matchup against the Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday.

T.J. Ward was helped off the field after injuring his neck in last Monday’s game against the Bengals. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

After not practicing all week because of a sprained neck, Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward will not play Sunday in the season finale against the Oakland Raiders.

Ward’s neck was stiff all week and the Broncos are expected to err on the side of caution. With Ward down, David Bruton is expected to get his first start since the 2011 season second-round playoff game at New England.

Peyton Manning, who injured his thigh in the win over the Chargers, returned to practice on Friday, looking sharp. (Tim Rasmussen, The Denver Post)

Peyton Manning is not ageless. He gets sick. His body hurts. His thigh aches. He practiced on a limited basis Thursday, sending shudders through fans and fantasy league owners. It’s not uncommon for him to receive lighter reps earlier in the week, and that was before he suffered a leg injury against the San Diego Chargers.

The Broncos’ Malik Jackson head butts the Bills’ Lee Smith after a rough play in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Dec. 7, 2014. (AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post)

Malik Jackson played his best game of the season last Sunday. He wanted a game ball, he told defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Instead, he received an $8,268 fine for unnecessary roughness from the league on Friday.

Jackson was not penalized on the play in which he delivered a head butt to a Bills player at the end of a play. Players can be docked without an infraction called. Jackson finished with six tackles, two for a loss, and a sack in the Broncos’ win.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos returned to practice on Wednesday. No helmets were required as the team continues to balance rest and recovery down the stretch. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

The calendar and the training room can dictate practice this time of year. With three games remaining, a common opponent in San Diego and the bye week occurring two months ago, the Broncos practiced without helmets on Wednesday.

Broncos tight end Julius Thomas pulls in a pass in the first half at the Edward Jones Dome on Nov. 16, 2014, in St. Louis. (Joe Amon, The Denver Post)

The Broncos had to turn in their inactive list at 12:35 p.m. Sunday. At 12:23 p.m., tight end Julius Thomas was on the field talking to offensive coordinator Adam Gase and tight ends coach Clancy Barone.

Thomas ran one post pattern — and did so pretty well. It was decided that he would dress for the Broncos’ game against the Buffalo Bills, but it’s unclear how much Thomas will play. In fact, he may only get a few plays — unless of course, the game gets desperate for Denver.

Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice leading up to the Bills’ game. (Jack Dempsey, Associated Press file)

December defines the grueling nature of the NFL season. The schedules shrink, but bumps and bruises increase. Entering Sunday’s game, the Broncos continue to deal with injuries to key players.

Julius Thomas began practice as a hopeful full participant, but spent time working through issues with his left ankle while talking to the training staff. The scene was similar to last week when he said he had good days, but not enough to be cleared to play.

And the forecast is predicting a dropoff into the 20s by kickoff. Weather makes for fun conversation, and it’s combatants are worthy of praise (I am sure there will be beverages to take the edge off in this wind). In Denver, the weather can be a sensitive subject. Not sure if you’ve heard, but Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is 9-12 when the temperature reads 40 degrees or lower.

Nicki Jhabvala is a Broncos beat writer for The Denver Post. She was previously the digital news editor for sports. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor. She also spent two years as a home page editor at the New York Times.